Two main technologies are in use for concentrated solar radiation conversion: thermo-dynamic converters that use high temperature achieved by fluids or gases (turbines, Stirling and/or Rankine motors) and high-efficiency multi-junction photovoltaic cells. Both methods present technological problems and several strict limitations in terms of scalability. The conversion module developed by ISM sug-gests solutions to overcome such limitations, with the possibility to operate in a high temperature range (700-1000 °C) and to exploit two mixed conversion effects: thermionic and thermoelectric effects.
The conversion module was designed and developed to be housed in concentrated solar systems in order to generate electrical and thermal energies (co-generation).
CVD diamond films and surface nano-texturing are the nanotecnology innovations applied to the module materials.
Electrical energy conversion efficiency can be > 30%. Thermal power output is about 65% of residual thermal power.
Staff: A. Bellucci, M. Girolami, S. Orlando, D.M. Trucchi
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